Staying Fit While Travelling

Hey Gents,I'm doing a month of backpacking and travelling around europe and was wondering if anyone had any tips for staying in shape. I was thinking of a couple runs in the morning during the week, might not be a bad way to see the cities, do a little land strength stuff in a park... otherwise I'm out of ideas.

Best way is to do activities that give a good workout. Hiking, watersports, extreme sports, etc.

You can also either stop by a gym once a week or so (but do you want to/can you do that while travelling?) or you could try a few bodyweight exercises. I know reddit has a subforum for that at r/bodyweight. That should give you enough to do it.

If you're backpacking/traveling all over Europe, that means you're going to be doing a lot of walking! I would be more concerned about making sure you have enough calories to get you through your destinations. I traveled to Europe when I was your age and I lost 15 lbs in 5 weeks.

Erik101 saidIf you're backpacking/traveling all over Europe, that means you're going to be doing a lot of walking! I would be more concerned about making sure you have enough calories to get you through your destinations. I traveled to Europe when I was your age and I lost 15 lbs in 5 weeks.

Shit, I'm 48 and I lost about 7 lbs in 5 weeks in Argentina. I was walking nearly the whole time and eating like a machine.

Yes, make sure you get extra calories. "Bulletproof Coffee" is a staple in my diet.

sideout saidHey Gents,I'm doing a month of backpacking and travelling around europe and was wondering if anyone had any tips for staying in shape. I was thinking of a couple runs in the morning during the week, might not be a bad way to see the cities, do a little land strength stuff in a park... otherwise I'm out of ideas.

well

Head stand push-ups take little space. Jumping with a imaginary jump rope is awesome as well . Push ups with feet elevated on a bed , wide and close hand positions. You will get enuf walking in Europe so skip the runs.

i've been in europe for two months now and its been a struggle to get out and do a regular run. a month isn't too bad to miss, but you will do lots of walking. depending on where you stay (ie hotel) they may have a gym

Erik101 saidIf you're backpacking/traveling all over Europe, that means you're going to be doing a lot of walking! I would be more concerned about making sure you have enough calories to get you through your destinations. I traveled to Europe when I was your age and I lost 15 lbs in 5 weeks.

The same happened to me last summer. Can't say I did anything to avoid it at all, though. I was waking up early every day to explore, going to bed semi-late, not getting enough sleep, definitely not getting enough calories (most days), etc.

Gyms sound like an expensive option, but try google-ing at-home exercises. Pushups, sit ups, lounges, maybe pull ups somewhere every now and then, you might be able to get a good workout out of it. Gyms didn't exist always yet some people maintained fit many years ago, basic exercises like these maybe be a good start to that, or at least maintaining your current muscle mass.

Throw a pair of running shoes in your backpack and a set of workout clothes and maybe a swim suit and goggles. As others have said, you'll be doing a lot of walking anyway, but you may find yourself near a gym or a pool in your travels or you might just feel inspired to go for an early morning run. When I travel for fun, I don't make working out my focus, but I go prepared for the opportunity.

Your legs will get an adequate workout just walking, and climbing stairs and grades, often with your backpack load. Give them mainly stretching exercises, and nothing high impact like jogging, your joints will be pounded all day as it is, except maybe a short jog on the odd day when you won't be doing any significant walking. Swimming is good, and bicycling with rental bikes available in many European cities.

For the upper half of the body do classic floor exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, crunches, etc, that can be done almost anywhere without equipment. And take advantage of saunas that can be found even in some hostels, a good way to relax your muscles after a day of hiking, and I think good for your respiration.

But getting back to jogging, its acceptance varies with the region, even the city. Europe has more pedestrian & bike traffic than many US cities (except New York and some other downtown hubs), and sidewalk jogging isn't always considered compatible with that, you may get some dirty looks. Better places are some parks with walking paths, and even then check to see what the locals are doing.

A lot of hotels now have decent gyms. Otherwise, do your pushups and crunches in your room. Take the stairs always wherever possible. If you see a good set of steps and stairs, run 'em over & over. If you see a gym, ask if they'll let you do a quick membership for just a limited time.......even one day, if that's the extent of your stay.